By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Best sleep masks 2026: tried and tested for a restful night
Jamie has worked at national newspapers, press agencies and a student-led digital publication. She cares about ensuring that consumers get the most for their money and have access to trustworthy, science-backed information.
A good sleep mask should help to block out light and fit securely for a comfortable and undisturbed sleep.
Whether you’re a light sleeper or need a sleep mask for travel, we’ve tested a range of eye masks from top brands including Boots, Manta, Loop and more.
Our tests rate every mask on its light-blocking ability, comfort, security and adjustability, as well as how easy it is to care for. The best eye mask stays firmly in place while blocking out light, without feeling uncomfortable on your face.
We found three Best Buy sleep masks and two Great Value picks under £15, showing you don't have to spend a lot to get a good-quality sleep mask. In fact, the top-performing Best Buy mask earns our Great Value badge too. Sweet dreams!
How our tests find you the best
Light blocking
Don't let a sliver of morning sun spoil your beauty sleep. Our panel rates how well each of the 17 masks we tested blocks out light.
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to sleep masks. That's why our panel members each rate every mask on test for comfort level.
Security and adjustability
No one wants to be woken by morning light because their mask has slipped off in the night. Our testers tossed and turned to see if they stayed in place.
We also test...
Ease of cleaning, so you can keep your sleep mask fresh without faff.
The sleep masks we tested
The biggest brands and most popular 11 sleep masks are listed below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the sleep mask test results below.
Log in or join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
| Sleep mask | Price | Score | Light blocking* | Comfort | Fit | Adjustable head strap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableGet Digital access £9.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? | 96% | |||||
| 94% | ||||||
| 87% | ||||||
| 86% | ||||||
| 85% | ||||||
| 83% | ||||||
| 80% | ||||||
| 78% | ||||||
| 73% | ||||||
| 70% | ||||||
| 70% |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableGet Digital access £9.99 per month, cancel at any time.
Already a member?
Log in
*Depends primarily on the mask's fit and its prevention of 'light leakage' around the eyes and nose, rather than the quality or density of the fabric.
Date tested: August 2026, October 2023. Page last checked: August 2026. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available. We've tested 17 sleep masks in total, but the table shows our top picks only.
A selection of the sleep masks we tested is listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best sleep masks from our tests.
Log in or join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
Most recently tested October 2023
Material Mulberry silk
Need to know Handwash only
Loop Eclipse Sleep Mask
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Nylon and spandex
Need to know Handwash-only strap, machine-washable eye pad
Manta Sleep Mask
Most recently tested October 2023
Material Modal fabric eye cups, polycotton head strap
Need to know Machine washable in mesh bag (included) at 30°C
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
Most recently tested October 2023
Material Cotton
Need to know Handwash only in cold water
If you're looking to rest better when travelling, read our ear plug and travel pillow guides.
MyHalos Blackout Memory Foam Sleep Mask
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Memory foam
Need to know Handwash only
Panda Bamboo Sleep Mask
Most recently tested August 2026
Material 100% bamboo
Need to know Machine washable
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Mulberry silk
Need to know Handwash only
SnoozeBand Deluxe
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Polyester
Need to know Handwash only (remove electrical component first), claimed battery life of 10-15 hours from a 2-hour charge
Therabody Sleep Mask
Available from Amazon (£89), Boots (£89), John Lewis (£89)
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Polyester
Need to know Machine-washable eye pad with wipe-clean strap and front
Wellthy by Boots
Available from Boots (£9.50)
Most recently tested August 2026
Material Memory foam
Need to know Handwash only
More sleep masks from our tests
Here are the rest of the sleep masks we've tested, listed in alphabetical order.
| Sleep mask | Price | Score | Light blocking* | Comfort | Security | Adjustable head strap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Scarlett Eye Mask | Daniel Stores (£28) | |||||
| John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Eye Mask | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50029902 | |||||
| William Morris At Home Sleep Eye Mask | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010180 |
*Depends primarily on the mask's fit and its prevention of 'light leakage' around the eyes and nose, rather than the quality or density of the fabric.
Date tested: August 2026, October 2023. Page last checked: August 2026. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
How we test sleep masks
We buy the bestselling sleep masks and put them through our tough tests. We don't accept freebies from product manufacturers or retailers.
We pick a variety of materials, including silk sleep masks and velvet sleep masks, and get a diverse panel of testers to rate every single sleep mask we test – not just one or two each.
We regularly revisit the sleep masks on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do.
Each sleep mask is rated on the following:
- Light blocking Our testers rate how effective each sleep mask is at blocking out light. The best achieve a total blackout effect, and the worst let light leak in. We also use a digital light meter to test how much light the masks let through.
- Comfort Our testers assess how comfortable each sleep mask feels. They consider how the material feels against their skin, and how much pressure the mask applies.
- Fit When our testers try on each sleep mask, they rate how secure it feels and whether there's an adjustable head strap to achieve the perfect fit.
Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
Silk vs cotton vs memory foam sleep masks: which is best?
Choosing the right material very much depends on personal preference, and how you plan to use your sleep masks.
Silk sleep masks
These can be good in hot weather, as they tend to be light and breathable. But most can only be washed by hand (if they can be washed at all) and some require specialist silk detergent. So it's important to consider whether a more complicated care routine is worth it for you, especially if your sleep mask will be used every day.
Cotton sleep masks
These are usually much easier to care for – many can even be put in the washing machine. They may not feel as luxurious as a silk option, but they still tend to be cooling and available at a lower price.
Memory foam sleep masks
These are generally great at blocking light due to their thick material and contoured design, which allows them to eliminate light gaps. So if you're looking for total darkness, memory foam may be the way to go.
Plus, if you're sensitive to material touching your eyelids, memory foam masks feature concave eye pads, meaning you're able to freely open and close your eyes while wearing them. On the downside, they may not feel particularly cool on the skin during warmer nights.
What are Bluetooth sleep masks?
Bluetooth sleep masks combine a traditional light-blocking sleep mask with wireless, flat, built-in speakers. They pair to your smart device – such as your phone or tablet – to allow you to listen to white noise, audiobooks, guided meditations, or even music as you fall asleep.
Many people favour them over traditional earphones for their increased comfort and, in some instances, sound-blocking qualities.
They are especially good for travelling, when you want to block out background noise to get some rest.
Are Bluetooth sleep masks safe?
As long as you use them according to the manufacturer's instructions, Bluetooth sleep masks are generally regarded as safe.
They use specialist technology that means radiation shouldn't be a worry, and they have not been linked to health risks. If you don't use excessive volume consistently, your hearing should be safe too.
As with any electrical product, keep them away from water (most can either be taken apart for washing or are wipe clean only) and keep an eye on them for any signs of overheating.
Do eye masks really help you sleep?
The short answer is – probably. We can all have a restless night's sleep now and then, but if you're regularly struggling to get some shuteye, a sleep mask could help. This is because blocking out light when you're trying to sleep supports your body's natural circadian system.
Part of this system is the production of melatonin, which helps you fall and stay asleep. If you're exposed to light at night, this hormone's production is suppressed.
The reason we say 'probably', though, is because not all the evidence is clear-cut. For instance, in a 2022 study by Cardiff University, participants reported that wearing a sleep mask didn't affect their sleep quality compared with not wearing one.
Yet, when the same participants were given memory and alertness tests the day after sleeping with a mask, they performed better than when they hadn't been wearing one the previous night.
Ultimately, you have to find what works for you, as Paul did (below).
Why I use a sleep mask
'My bedroom is south-east facing, so it’s very easy to get woken by the morning sun. A sleep mask has been a game-changer – but choose carefully as if it’s not comfortable, you’ll just end up making things worse.
'I much prefer masks that are raised over the eyes, so you don’t feel them if you blink, plus I’ve found these are more likely to provide a complete blackout. And if you’re a side-sleeper like me, you’ll want to avoid one that’s too chunky around the sides – I find masks that taper off or are flatter at the edges to be much more comfortable.
'I have two sleep masks: the Gritin, which we haven't tested, and the MyHalos, which we have. They both work well – I use the Gritin in bed at night and take the MyHalos with me if I'm on a long plane or bus journey.'
Paul Lester, Which? technology editor
How often should you wash your sleep mask?
The first thing to consider when caring for your sleep mask is: can it be washed? Some sleep masks may be 'spot clean' or 'wipe clean' only, meaning they should not be submerged in water either through handwashing or a machine cycle.
If you can wash it, always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid accidental damage.
Some manufacturers' instructions will give you guidance on how often to wash your specific eye mask. If they don't, the answer can depend on many factors such as how often you use your mask, or your skin type.
As a rule of thumb, silk sleep masks can go longer between washes. Silk is naturally antibacterial and doesn't soak up sweat as much as more porous fabrics such as cotton – so once a week should be fine. Other materials may need washing more often, such as twice a week.
Pay close attention to your skin, and if you notice any breakouts or irritation, consider washing your mask more often, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, sweat a lot, or apply rich skincare before bed.
Check out the best anti-ageing creams for reducing wrinkles